Mark Warburton admits he is not satisfied with seeing Nottingham Forest sitting in sixth place in the Championship heading into the international break – because he believes they could and should have secured more points.

The Reds only escaped relegation on goal difference a few months ago and now find themselves challenging towards the right end of the table.

But it is a sign of the progress made under the former Brentford and Rangers manager that there is a sense of dissatisfaction now, even despite a largely positive start to the campaign.

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Warburton believes Forest can achieve more, if they can consistently produce their best performance levels – just as they had done against Middlesbrough and Newcastle United, in their previous two fixtures.

“There is always an opportunity there for any team that can build some consistency – there is always that, if you can have that belief that grows within the squad,” he said.

“The frustration is that we know how good this squad of players can be. We did not do ourselves justice, in front of another great crowd. We did not send our fans home happy.

Forest fans leave after Leeds' second goal (Image: Dan Westwell)

“When the second goal went in, you could hear the seats clattering and that is our responsibility. We need to make sure they enjoy following this team.

“Now we have a long two weeks to reflect on this and I absolutely hate that. I hate it. They were not the exact words I used in the dressing room. But that was the message. You have to learn from this.

“The only positive is that we have to learn from this – because that just was not us.”

“But we didn’t have David for most of the game against Middlesbrough and he did not play against Newcastle – and we were very good.

“David knows what I think of him. He is well aware of the respect I have for him. But the fact is that we played very well for an hour against Middlesbrough without him (once he had gone off injured) and we were outstanding at Newcastle on Wednesday.